Congressman Denounces SXSW For Allowing Snowden To Speak

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A member of the House Intelligence Committee is denouncing the massive technology conference, SXSW, for allowing NSA whistleblower, Edward Snowden, to deliver a keynote. “Rewarding Mr. Snowden’s behavior in this way encourages the very lawlessness he exhibited,” said Representative Mike Pompeo in a letter to the organization [PDF] calling for his invitation to be withdrawn.

Snowden is exiled in Russia and will address the conference via video, one of his first live Interviews since he first leaked the information about the NSA dragnet last summer. “His presence will not advance the debate; it will merely create a circus.”, Pompeo’s letter read.

Snowden will be interviewed by the American Civil Liberties Union principle technologist, Christopher Soghoian, at 11am CT next Monday. Live-streaming options are available on the SXSW website and local media.